(Travel)

The Zoe Report’s Readers Choice Awards: Best Rooftop Bars of 2026

They rise above the rest.

by Angela Melero
Oleander at The Sun Rose

The country’s best rooftop bars take cocktail hour to new heights, pairing creative drinks and buzzy atmospheres with sweeping city, mountain, or ocean views. From 54thirty’s elevated Denver perch and Calabra’s breezy Santa Monica setting to Cindy’s panoramic Chicago outlook, these sky-high destinations make a strong case for drinking alfresco. These rooftop bars rise above the rest.

Have questions? Read the official Readers’ Choice rules.

Thank you to these terrific brands for participating and, of course, to our community for letting their voices be heard. TZR’s readers have spoken, and their favorite Rooftop Bars of 2026 are:

1. Westlight

Brooklyn, NY

What TZR readers love about Westlight:

  • Watching the golden hour light up the Manhattan skyline from this rooftop is unreal—easily the best panorama in Brooklyn! 🌇
  • Such a fun, high-energy space with great music beats and a charismatic staff that keeps the vibe going strong.
  • The savory small plates totally blew us away—you rarely find rooftop food bites executed with this much flavor and care. 🍸

2. The Rooftop at The Cape

Cabo San Lucas, MX

What TZR readers love about The Rooftop:

  • The whole scene is effortless and fun. Great live music and an upbeat ambiance that’s perfect with friends.
  • Top-notch service and amazing cocktails that taste even better against that stunning Baja backdrop. Easily our favorite night in Cabo! 🍹
  • Sweeping views of downtown Cabo and El Arco make this a breathtaking vantage point for watching the sun sink into the sea.

3. Gemma at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA

What TZR readers love about Gemma:

  • By far the best views in all of Los Angeles! Taking in the nighttime skyline from this cool spot was unforgettable. ✨
  • Consistently phenomenal cuisine and inventive craft cocktails; every single dish tastes like it came from an elite, standalone kitchen.
  • Impeccable service and warm hospitality from start to finish. The attentive staff and laid-back energy make Gemma a standout spot.

4. Cindy's

Chicago, IL

5. 54thirty

Denver, CO

6. L.A. Jackson

Nashville, TN

8. Nobu Chicago Rooftop

Chicago, IL

9. Oleander at The Sun Rose

West Hollywood, CA

10. Terrace on 7 | El Ta'koy

New York, NY

Photos Courtesy of 54thirty Rooftop/Santa Monica Proper Hotel/Chicago Athletic Association/Edge Rooftop Bar/Shawn O'Connor/Waldorf-Astoria Beverly Hills/Jakob Layman/L.A. Jackson/QED Hospitality/Nobu Chicago/Nubeluz/Oleander at The Sun Rose/El Ta'koy at The Dominick/The William Vale